A Private Affair - A.C. Arthur Page 0,33
to you personally.”
Valeria had a sly smile, sea green eyes and a mass of curly hair. A week ago, Chaz would have slept with her. Today he was simply trying to get through this interview.
“Social media is all about making connections. Business networking, friendships and, yes, even committed relationships have been born from the many platforms out there. At Conversation Media our goal has always been to start conversations. ChatMe will do the same on a more focused level. We’re excited about its formal release in two weeks and hope you’ll join us for the launch.”
With that, Chaz stood. He buttoned his suit jacket and said, “We’re done.”
Valeria stopped her recorder and hurriedly stood, as well. “Ah, okay. I hope you weren’t bothered by the questions. Inquiring minds want to know.” She attempted a joking tone but Chaz really wasn’t feeling it.
“It’s fine. Can you just let my PR people know when the interview will be posted?”
“I really wish you’d let me do a live show, Chaz. I’m sure we would’ve gotten thousands of viewers if we’d gone that route. Maybe you’ll reconsider for the week of the launch. It’ll be double exposure for you on the blog and the broadcast.”
Chaz started to walk away. “As I stated before, that’s not possible. I’ll be tied up with pre‒Fashion Week events during that time.”
“Oh, right, the favor you’re doing for your uncle. That’s so noble of you.”
“There’s nothing noble about what I’m doing. King Designs is a family business that put me through private schools and college. My loyalty will always be to my family.” Chaz wasn’t sure why this woman was irritating him so much today. He just knew that the sooner he could get away from her, the better.
“Well then, I’ll be sure to let your people know when I post the interview.”
He didn’t miss the bite in her tone and he understood the real meaning of her words—she would post when she felt like it.
“I appreciate that. We have a vigorous lineup of promotion on all media platforms beginning early next week and going into the month after launch, so we’d like to keep track of all of the places we need to thank for their support.”
And if she wasn’t one of them, he would have to accept that, but Chaz had never allowed a reporter to take advantage of him or to play him for their own personal reasons, and he wasn’t about to start now.
His phone rang and Chaz said goodbye to Valeria before walking out of the room.
“I was able to move the first run-through to one thirty but we’ve got models, makeup artists, hair stylists and photographers on the clock,” Chaz’s assistant said when he answered.
“I’m on my way. Getting in the car now.”
Chaz ended the call and stepped into the elevator. Minutes later, he was walking out of the building and onto the sidewalk filled with New Yorkers on the move.
Guy, his driver, had already stepped out of the black town car and was opening the back door for him to get in. Chaz slipped onto the backseat and pulled up his text messages. Nothing from Riley.
He wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad sign.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
ONE WEEK LATER, Riley walked into the 11 Howard Hotel, ready for Saturday Style magazine’s style summit, which officially kicked off the pre‒Fashion Week festivities. She wore a navy-blue wool coat that complemented her navy-and-rust geometric-print blouse, pleated skirt and calf-high cognac-colored suede boots. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun.
One of the hostesses took her coat and Riley tucked her purse under her arm as she walked toward the ballroom alone. Since this event used the best technology on the market to showcase the hottest trends in style, Major was also attending. He had a front row seat as did Riley, but she hadn’t wanted to be up front during the presentation so she’d arrived late, hoping she could avoid immediate detection and slide into a seat at the back after everyone had been seated.
Two minutes after she walked into the auditorium her plan failed miserably.
“Hello, beautiful.”
“Hi.” She tried to make sure her response wasn’t as breathless as she felt upon seeing Chaz again but wasn’t convinced it had worked.
The room was dark but with the bright blue, fuchsia and white lights coming from the stage and the large screens displaying the presentation, she could tell that he looked good. His suit jacket was dark, his jeans light, button-front white print shirt crisp.
“It’s